[Is the training of interns in practical clinical skills adequate?]

In Norway the preregistration internship consists of 12 months service in hospitals followed by 6 months in general practice. This survey assessed to what extent the intended practical skills had been aquired during the hospital service. A questionnaire was sent to all preregistration house officers who had recently completed their internship. 104 out of 133 responded (78%). Most of the house officers reported that they had received training and instruction in basic medical and surgical skills. However, more than 30% received no formal supervision in various emergency medical skills and the reported instruction in gynaecological skills was even worse. The female house officers were less likely than their male colleagues to report that they had attained various practical clinical skills. There was substantial variation in skills among respondents from different hospitals. Further studies into the quality of the preregistration internship, and the value of specific interventions, seem to be justified.